Violet

2| the lake

"That is the most romantic!"

Arietta sits with me on my bed the next morning, in awe, as I explain to her my night. Of course, excluding the note situation. I roll my eyes while simpering.

"I was definitely..." I pause, trying to think of the right word, "taken aback."

This feels good, I have not had many true friends or have been close with anyone back home, but it has only been a day and talking to Arietta is easy. Something about it brings me comfort to know that I have someone to talk to. I hope our friendship becomes stronger over the next little while.

But last night was a little romantic. As I constantly replay all the moments in my head, butterflies still find their way into my stomach every time. I cannot unstick the smile glued to my face.

"Oh, you are smiling!" Arietta giggles, "So you both are here for the next few weeks?" She recrosses her legs.

"That is correct." I reply, "You know, I have not even had the chance to take a good look around the place yet. I have heard that some of the places around here are gorgeous, I love to adventure whenever possible." As soon as I have said this, Arietta excitedly puts her hands on the bed, her expressively large brown eyes locking onto mine.

"Oh, but it does! I would love to show you around when I am free! There are flower fields, grass fields, enchanting forests, and lakes. I have a free day tomorrow and I know so many beautiful places that I could take you to see if you would like."

"Sounds wonderful," I say in utter admiration.

"And who knows, you might even get a glimpse of your lover boy," her tone shifts to a sing-song voice, emphasising the two words. She nudges me with her elbow. We erupt into a fit of laughter, causing my sides to hurt.

"He is not my lover boy," I smirk once we calm down again, even though I feel heat travelling to my face. He has been in my life for the past two years, but I only just met him last night for the first time. 

I get up off the bed and pull over one of the casual dresses over my underdress, and as I turn back around, I see that she is making my bed.

"Oh! You do not have to do that," I smile, "I will make sure to keep my room as neat and tidy as I can."

"You are sure?"

"Definitely." 

Arietta gets up from my bed and walks towards the door. "Alright then," she turns outside, "back to cleaning the west wing. I will see you soon!"

I finish getting dressed.

After contemplating what to do next, I make up my mind to go in search of some breakfast. Since I did not eat at the ball last night due to nerves, I am starving. Arietta provided me with food options all around town, but there are so many places to look. My hands become sweaty.

I walk down flights of stairs, passing by the same corridors and rooms that I did when I first arrived, and then I start looking for a way out one of the side doors. I am not alone. People walk past, smiling and greeting me a good morning and two guards stand by the opening of each door, talking to each other.

Once asking one of the guards for directions, I finally discover a way out and make it outside. The fresh air and cool breeze refreshingly hit my body, and while standing in comfort, I then glance below to the town. It reminds me exactly of a maze, the few paths spiralling down and crossing over one another. It makes my brain ache, wondering how I am going to make it back up without a struggle. 

Pausing my thoughts, I determinedly start down the closest path in my view.

It is not as steep as I thought it was going to be, and every step I take down the path gives a satisfying crunch along the gravel beneath my feet.